No rest for the weary as secondary forest fires spread in Kota Belud


KOTA KINABALU: Firemen have been forced to take turns fighting forest fires for two days straight owing to the drought and irresponsible acts of open burning in Kota Belud district.

On Sunday (March 10), they managed to put out nearly 324ha (800 acres) of secondary forest and brush fires.

However, there has been no chance for them to rest as other parts of the district caught alight on Monday (March 11), including Kg Kimo-Kimo, Kg Kondis, Kg Pompod, Kg Song-Song and Kg Lingkodon Kota Belud.

ALSO READ: Deliberate fires by farm owners, smallholders, one of the causes of Sabah open burning cases

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Hamsa Isnurdini said the affected area has exceeded So far, the affected areas have exceeded 809ha (2,000 acres).

"For the record, we have to rope in assistance from Kota Marudu to fight these fires," he said.

The firefighters are using a variety of measures to battle the wildfires, from conventional hoses to water bombing via helicopter.

Those on the ground said it was a challenge extinguishing the flames because dry conditions and wind caused the fire to spread rapidly.

During the dry spell, there was a high risk of minor open burning escalating into a disaster because even the smallest ember could spark a major fire, they added.

ALSO READ: Bomba deploys helicopter from Miri to help put out open fires in Sabah

On Sunday (March 10), Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad reminded the public to refrain from open burning.

He said those found doing so can be compounded up to RM2,000 for each offence; they could also be charged in court and if found guilty, fined up to RM500,000 or jailed five years, or both.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Ebit Lew made video call to me while shirtless, witness tells court
Duo get two months' jail each for attempted Istana Negara trespass
Let police investigate, Dr Wee tells Teresa Kok
Malaysia Airlines confirms death of crew member in Tokyo
Sabah Cabinet expected to deliberate possible action against state AG, says Kitingan
Grass cutter hurt after shot with air rifle in Kota Kinabalu
Johor Immigration nabs 18 foreigners without travel documents
Wildlife Crime Bureau launches raids leading to RM5mil worth of seizures, says Bukit Aman
Malay businessmen and industrialists group lauds move to realign bumiputra-mandated agencies
Surgery complex at HSIS Heart Centre will undergo repairs next month

Others Also Read